Polar Bear live review 19.02.10

As a resident of deepest darkest Hove, the music venue craving is one that constantly nags en route into Brighton. Although the sprinkling of ‘pubs with stages’ around Western Road are conspicuous, unquestionably Hove lacks music venues. It was therefore ineffable to go to The Market Theatre to see post-jazz quintet Polar Bear.

On arrival, the mediocre masses stood in silence as we felt inclined to tip-toe through the darkness. An abundance of beards, rucksacks and surprisingly neat dreadlocks watched in awe as drummer Seb Rochford and co filled the room with instrumental bliss.

Two saxophones, a double bass and drumming perfection accurately collided with Leaf Cutter John’s electro wizardry, pulling off music that wouldn’t have been out of place on the soundtrack of a Tarrantino classic.

Seb Rochford remained seated while introducing his companions and compositions like ‘Fluffy I want you’ and ‘Tom loves Alice loves Tom’. With immense hair and a miniature voice, his Hove devotees were
clearly thrilled at every interaction.

Each face of Polar Bear consistently reflected the energy that was going into their performances at the production of massive sound after massive sound, as the journey continued to the uplifting ‘Happy for You’.

The tiny voice of Seb Rochford announced it was time to take a break ‘Not cos we’re tired, because it’s the thing to do’. After witnessing the sheer brilliance of all five musicians for over an hour, it was astonishing that he wasn’t saying goodnight, and that they were coming back for more.

The second half was equally magical, but contained painfully long and analgesic sax solos. Perhaps they slightly outstayed their welcome for a short time, but promptly won the hordes over again with bouncier, more upbeat pieces.

Polar Bear finished their two hour set with ‘Peepers’, (dedicated to people with cheeky eyes) from their new album of the same name. At that point it was clear not only that Polar Bear are outstanding musicians, but that The Market Theatre is a pretty good venue, too.